Berkshire
Gardens Trust
Reg.Charity No.1201501

We are very pleased to welcome Dr Cathryn Spence, museum professional, lecturer and historic gardens and buildings consultant, to give the first of our lectures for 2023.  Her talk will be based on her extensive research into Thomas Robins, the first full study since John Harris’s Gardens of Delight, published in 1978. 

 

Thomas Robins the Elder (1716–1770) recorded the country estates of the Georgian gentry—their orchards, Rococo gardens, and potagers—like no other, with both topographical accuracy and delightful artistry, often bordering his gouaches with entrancing tendrils, shells, leaves, and birds.

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Cathryn has tracked down many previously unknown paintings by Robins and sets his elusive life and work in the framework of his patrons.  These include Woodside, Stanwell, Grove House, Dorchester House in or near Berkshire.

 

Dr Cathryn Spence, is currently the curator and archivist at Bowood House and has also worked for the V&A, the Bath Preservation Trust, and the National Trust. Cathryn has also worked with the team at Painswick Rococo Garden for the last 5 years advising on the conservation of the garden.

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Booking: Please book online before the 21st January. The tickets are £5 each. Non-members welcome. We will send you a Zoom link for the lecture a few days beforehand. The lecture will last approximately 1 hour, followed by questions.  The lecture will be recorded with the link available for a week to those people who have booked for the event. 

 

Queries: Kim Hacker at BerksGTmembership@gmail

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All pictures courtesy of Cathryn Spence